Nikias elected as new USC president

C. L. Max Nikias, USC executive vice president and provost, has been chosen as the 11th president of the University of Southern California, effective August 3, 2010.

On Wednesday night by unanimous vote, the Board of Trustees elected Nikias, who beat out 75 serious candidates and seven finalists. He will succeed Steven B. Sample, who has served as president since 1991.

"It is a testament to Max Nikias' abilities that, from such an impressive group of educators, he was unanimously recommended by the advisory committee," said Ed Roski, chairman of the Board of Trustees. "During his 19 years as a faculty member and administrator at USC, he has provided distinguished service to the university in a variety of roles. He is a remarkable and inspiring leader, a brilliant scholar, and the best possible person to lead our university forward."